Hundreds attend war hero's funeral (From Barry And District News)

Hundreds attend war hero's funeral

A BARRY WAR hero who fathered eleven children has died at the age of 84.

William Cooke was awarded a commendation by Field Marshal Montgomery for his bravery in action during the North West Europe conflict in World War Two.

William Cooke was a member of the Royal Engineers 284 Assault Squadran in the war. His commendation was for saving a critically wounded soldier by carrying him across a minefield. He also helped to carry other wounded off the minefield.

More than 53 years later Mr Cooke found the man, Cyril Perry, he helped and kept in contact with him until his death in 1994. Even at the age of 84 Mr Cooke was preparing to visit Holland with his son, as he did each year and pay tribute to the soldiers who died there.

Mr Cooke's family number ten children today as one son, Terry, tragically drowned aged 15.

His daughter, Katherine Willams said: "We want to put our parents in the same plot as Terry so that he has a father and mother again."

In his working life Mr Cooke was a painter and decorator with his own business. He was married to Ruby, who passed away in the year 2000, for more than 50 years. He lived in Winifred Avenue until he went to College Fields where he spent the last years of his life.

Between them they had 11 children, 29 grand children and five great grand children.

More than 250 people turned out for the funeral. Members of the Royal British Legion and soldiers from the Royal Engineers were also present. His coffin was draped in the Union flag and the last post was sounded.

At the funeral Katherine read out some of the memories of her father and two poems by William's grandsons, which included the quote: "I love the way he mastered the art of dividing an apple into 12 pieces with his pen knife for us all to share."